Things You Must Know about Backing Your Car
First, knowing how to back your car is important not only for your DMV knowledge test, but also for the practical driving test.
Backing is more difficult than driving forward, which is why you should only drive in reverse when it is necessary.
When preparing your driving test you should, however, practice backing several times – preferably in a safe location. Failures on the behind-the-wheel test are often caused by the driver’s lack of control when reversing a car.
Question 1: Why is backing a car more dangerous than driving forward?
- A. Your field of vision is blocked by the car itself.
- B. It is harder to control speed and direction.
- C. Both A and B are correct.
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Blocked vision and difficulties to steer are two major reasons why backing is more dangerous than driving forward.
Blocked Vision
When backing your car you must look to the rear. It is important to remember that you will see much less to rear than to the front.
Question 2: If you must back your car from a driveway, what is the first thing you should do?
- A. Adjust your mirrors to increase your field of vision.
- B. Check behind the vehicle before you get in.
- C. Buckle up.
CORRECT ANSWER: B. You may not be able to see small children or obstacles from the driver seat. Walk around your car and always make sure the path behind you is clear before you get in.
Question 3: To back your car safely, you should:
- A. Rely solely on your rear-view mirror.
- B. Rely on side mirrors and the rear-view mirror.
- C. Turn your head and look through the rear window.
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Many vehicles have backup cameras today. You may or you may not be allowed to use a car with a backup camera on your driving test, check with your local DMV before the test. This doesn’t mean that you should forget about how to drive in reverse without a camera. The most important reminder (and often seen on State knowledge tests) is that you should NOT rely on your mirrors.
Your mirrors have a very limited view of the area behind your vehicle and you may not be able to see approaching vehicles or pedestrians from your right or left.
To get the best possible view of the area behind you, you should look directly through the rear window. Sit up straight up, hold the steering wheel with your left hand near the top and place your right arm on the passenger seat. The improves stability and will help you steer steadily.
This is the only time you should drive with just one hand on the steering wheel.
Scan Behind You
Question 4: You are behind the steering wheel, ready to back up. Before you move, you should:
- A. Look to the left and right and double-check for cars and pedestrians.
- B. Honk your horn as a warning.
- C. Turn on your emergency flashers.
CORRECT ANSWER: A. Before you move, look in both directions, and double-check for vehicles and pedestrians.
Don’t move until you are sure the path behind you is clear. Check in all directions for approaching vehicles and/or pedestrians. Fender benders when backing a vehicle are very common. You are also most likely to be at fault in such an accident. [ Read about: Backing Crashes ].
Continue to scan the area around your vehicle as you back up. If you need to turn while backing, make quick checks also to the front. Keep looking around you until you are stopped.
Don’t honk your horn, unless there is an immediate danger. And don’t use your emergency flashers as a warning to others.
Your Backing Speed is Important
The second most common question about backing a car on DMV tests is about your speed:
Question 5: When backing a car, you should:
- A. Back slowly.
- B. Back quickly.
- C. Back no slower than 15 mph.
CORRECT ANSWER: A. Since it is much more difficult to steer in reverse, you should always back at a very slow speed.
After making sure that the path behind you is clear, press lightly on the gas pedal. Beginners often press too hard on the gas pedal and make the car jump backwards.
Use as little pressure as possible and let your car move no faster than a crawl.
With a low speed you will be able to keep control of the car and have a clear view of your surroundings.
Don’t back for a longer distance than necessary.
When You Shouldn’t Back Your Car
A general rule is to do as little backing as possible. Don’t back your car unnecessarily. In some situations, the law may prohibit backing.
Question 6: By law, you must not back your vehicle:
- A. In residential areas.
- B. Into a parking lot.
- C. On interstates.
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Never back your car on an interstate or freeway. State laws don’t prohibit backing into a parking lot, but you may find local ordinances that prohibit backing in certain areas.
Question 7: If you miss your exit on an interstate, you should:
- A. Back up on the shoulder.
- B. Make a 3-point turn and go back on the shoulder.
- C. Go to the next exit.
CORRECT ANSWER: C. If you miss your exit on a controlled-access highway, continue to the next exit.
Never try to back up your car on a highway shoulder or on an interstate or freeway. If you miss your exit, always continue to the next one.
The only time you may go in the wrong direction on an interstate is when there is a serious traffic incident and you are directed by law enforcement officers to do so.
Reminders about Backing – for Your DMV Test
Backing is more difficult than driving forward.
It is harder to steer and control your car when driving in reverse.
Check behind your car before you get in. Be especially careful when there are children nearby.
Before you start moving, make sure you don’t interfere with other traffic.
When you back up, don’t rely on your mirrors, instead look directly through your rear window.
Always back slowly.
Never back your car on a roadway shoulder or any controlled-access highway.
Don’t back for a longer distance than necessary.
Study sheet with more DMV Questions about backing a car.
Why should I check behind my vehicle before I get in?
You can't see directly behind your vehicle through the rear window. Playing children and small objects can easily be hidden from view when you start backing. Make a habit of checking behind your car before you get in.
Why shouldn't I rely on mirrors when backing?
Mirrors don't give a full view of what is behind or to the sides. To get the best view of the area behind your vehicle and see approaching vehicles from left or right, look directly through your rear window.
Why should I back my car slowly?
The reverse is stronger and will start way faster than your first gear, so press lightly on the accelerator. Otherwise the car might make a jump. Your car is harder to steer and control when you are backing. By using a low speed you will have better control. You will also be better prepared for what is happening behind you.
Should I use my seat belt when backing?
In general, state laws don't make an exception for the use of seat belts when driving in reverse.
Why can't I back up on a highway shoulder?
Even if you think that the way is clear, never back up on a highway shoulder. The shoulder is for emergencies. State laws usually prohibit you from driving on a shoulder. Backing up on a shoulder is specifically prohibited.Remember, if you back up, you will be going against traffic. Consequences can be severe.
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Where can I find Free DMV Tests for other states in USA?
FAQs
How to pass the DMV written test in California? ›
To pass the DMV written test in order to get your instruction permit, you need to achieve an 83% passing score by answering 38 questions correctly out of the 46 questions on the test if you are under 18.
What are the most commonly missed questions on the California permit test? ›- At What Level of Blood Alcohol Concentration Are You Impaired?
- Who Has the Right-of-Way When…?
- When Should You Use Your Headlights?
- Which Way Should Your Steering Wheel Face When Parking Uphill?
After the third failure, you must reapply to extend your learner's permit. If you do not pass your road test after three tries or if your learner's permit expires, you may obtain an Application to Add/Extend/Replace/Change/Correct Non-Commercial Learner's Permit or DL-31 (PDF).
Do I need my own car for driving test Illinois? ›You will have to bring proof of ownership and proof of insurance for the vehicle that you intend on taking the driving test in. If you bring a rental car, make sure the contract lists that you are approved to take a road test in it.
What happens if I fail the CA DMV written test 3 times? ›If you fail the drive test 3 times, you will be required to reapply and pay all applicable application fees.
How many mistakes are allowed on written driving test California? ›Those under 18 will receive a test with 46 questions and must answer 38 of them correctly to pass. If you are over 18, your test will only have 36 questions, and you must answer 30 of them correctly. If you fail the written test, you are required to wait seven days before attempting it again.
What are instant fails for California driving test? ›- Unsafe Lane Changes. If you do not use your mirrors or check your blind spot, you could cause a crash!
- Failure to Yield. ...
- Illegal Turns. ...
- Signs of Inexperience. ...
- Lack of Attention to Surroundings. ...
- Rolling Stops.
In order to get your learner's permit, you'll need to take the California DMV written test, which will have 46 questions and you'll be required to answer 38 correctly to pass. To get a permit, you'll pay a $33 fee and must take a standard vision test at your local DMV, in addition to the written knowledge test.
How hard is it to pass the California permit test? ›Is Passing the California DMV Permit Test Hard? Getting a passing score is hard if you don't study, or don't study effectively. Nationally, over half of teens fail their first permit test. Like a lot of folks, you'll probably find that just wading through the California Driver's Handbook isn't enough to help you pass.
Can you use a backup camera on a driving test in PA? ›You can use a backup camera for your driver's test. You just CAN'T use it as your primary line of site. You check the backup camera as you would check your mirrors before reversing. Do a 360° scan around your vehicle before putting the vehicle in motion.
What time is best to take driving test? ›
Between 9am and 11am is generally a decent time to take a driving test because it's outside of rush hour and avoids the traffic increase in the run-up to lunchtime.
What are the requirements to do a driving test in my own car? ›- Tax. Your vehicle must have valid tax on the date and time you take your practical test.
- Insurance. You need to insure your car for driving tests. ...
- Roadworthy condition. ...
- Current MOT. ...
- No warning lights. ...
- Tyres. ...
- Wheels. ...
- Clean and tidy.
Most provisional licenses are issued between the ages of 16 to 18 years of age. Teens will be allowed to drive alone when they have a provisional license, but there will be specified times and other conditions and restrictions that must be adhered to.
How many questions are on the CA DMV written test for renewal? ›A few notes about the written test:
If you are testing as part of renewal, the renewal written test has only 25 questions. Take your time and read each question carefully, trying not to read anything extra into the questions. There are no trick questions, and there is only one correct answer per question.
| Application | Fee |
|---|---|
| Driving (behind-the-wheel) retest | $8 |
| – Original – Renewal | $41 |
| – Replacement (lost or stolen) – Info update | $33 |
| Driving (behind-the-wheel) retest | $8 |
- Rolling Stops. One of the most common mistakes to avoid during your DMV road test is making incomplete stops. ...
- Improper Lane Changing. ...
- Lack of Steering Control. ...
- Distracted Driving. ...
- Confusion at Four-Way Stops. ...
- Improper Freeway Merging. ...
- Driving Too Slowly. ...
- Driving Too Fast for Conditions.
How many minors can I get and still pass? In your driving test you can receive 15 minors and still pass, only a major or three of the same minor will result in a fail. There are several driving test minor faults - however, you should try to avoid them to give yourself the best chance of passing.
What is the DMV written test for California 2023? ›The CA DMV written test covers information found in the California Driver Handbook, including road rules, safe driving practices, and signs questions. The DMV knowledge test consists of 36 questions and you'll need 30 correct answers to pass (83%).
How many times can you take California driving test? ›If I do not pass on the first attempt, when can I retest? If you need to retest, you will receive a new Virtual Test Center link in your test results email. You will have two attempts to test online. If you do not pass on the second attempt, you must take the third attempt in person at a DMV office.
What do I need to bring to my California drivers test? ›- Proof of insurance; if you use a rental vehicle, you must bring the contract showing your name as the insured driver.
- Two license plates with current registration.
- Working brake lights, turning signal lights, horn, and parking brake.
- Tires that do not have any bald spots.
How do I study for CA permit test? ›
- Review the California Driver's Handbook. It contains a lot of important information, so give yourself a few days to get through it.
- Read the test questions carefully. ...
- Remember, all the test questions are taken from the handbook. ...
- Don't be nervous.
Most DMV services can be completed online without an appointment.
How many people pass the California permit test first try? ›Taking and passing the written test is the first step towards getting your driver's license in the state of California. Many student drivers underestimate the exam – over 44% of drivers fail their permit test on the first try. However, it is important to remember the California DMV is not out to trick you.
What state has the hardest permit test? ›In fact, a study by Siegfried & Jensen shows Washington is the hardest state in the nation to get a driver's license. The study's authors obtained information from each state DMV's official driver handbook and driver testing driving-tests.org and DMV.org.
How long does the CA permit test take? ›Is the CA permit test timed? No, there is no enforced time limit within which you must complete all questions on the permit test. Most applicants find that they can easily complete the assessment in around 45 to 60 minutes.
What is a 3 point or Y turn? ›The three-point turn (sometimes called a Y-turn, K-turn, or broken U-turn) is the standard method of turning a vehicle around to face the opposite direction in a limited space, using forward and reverse gears. This is typically done when the road is too narrow for a U-turn.
What is a 6 point turn? ›This routine involves the driver checking 6 points in and around the car to spot any potential Hazards. 1) Left Blind Spot. 2) Left Wing Mirror. 3) Centre Mirror / Rear View Mirror. 4) Out the Car's Front.
Where should you place your hands on the steering wheel? ›Both hands should be placed outside of the steering wheel on opposite sides. Your grip should be firm, yet gentle. Use your fingers instead of the palms of your hands and keep your thumbs up along the face of the steering wheel. Never turn the wheel while gripping it from the inside of its rim.
Can I clean my driving record in PA? ›PennDOT does not allow any erasure of driving violations from the records. This is contrary to criminal histories that can be expunged after obtaining a Pardon. Nonetheless, your driving history will stay intact and untouched as laid down by the rules of PennDOT.
How to pass the drivers test in PA? ›- Learn How Your Car Works. ...
- Put in the Hours. ...
- Get Comfortable With One Car. ...
- Practice in Different Conditions. ...
- Learn All the Standard and Emergency Driving Procedures. ...
- Come Prepared. ...
- Some Final Advice: Don't Take the Test Until You Are Ready.
Is the PA driver's test hard? ›
The road test is perhaps the hardest part: it includes 18 different elements, more than any other state except for Washington. The knowledge test also requires an 83 percent score in order to pass.
Is the written test hard in California? ›According to a study, four in 10 people fail their written driving test the first time around. However, it's hard to say how hard the written driving test in California is. Many people who fail probably did not invest enough time in studying.
Is the California written permit test hard? ›Is Passing the California DMV Permit Test Hard? Getting a passing score is hard if you don't study, or don't study effectively. Nationally, over half of teens fail their first permit test. Like a lot of folks, you'll probably find that just wading through the California Driver's Handbook isn't enough to help you pass.
Can I take the California DMV written test online? ›Need to take a driver's license knowledge test? You can now take it online! When filling out the online driver's license application, eligible customers will be prompted to choose a remote knowledge test or an interactive eLearning course.
How long does the California DMV written test take? ›Customers who fail the test twice must go to a DMV office and pass it in person. The online course can be taken on a computer, laptop, tablet or mobile device and is offered around the clock, though it is currently available only in English. It includes quizzes and takes approximately 45 minutes.
Which state has the hardest written driving test? ›— Washington state has one of the toughest driving tests in the country. According to the state Department of Licensing, passing rates for the knowledge test are around 46% at DOL offices. A study by personal-injury law firm Siegfried & Jensen suggests Washington is the most difficult state to get a license.
How much do you need to pass California DMV written test? ›In order to get your learner's permit, you'll need to take the California DMV written test, which will have 46 questions and you'll be required to answer 38 correctly to pass.
What do I need to bring for CA DMV written test? ›Bring your California Identification Card or proof of identity and residency. (Federal Noncompliant/REAL ID/AB60) Pay the application fee. Pass a vision exam.
How many questions are on the CA DMV renewal written test? ›A few notes about the written test:
If you are testing as part of renewal, the renewal written test has only 25 questions. Take your time and read each question carefully, trying not to read anything extra into the questions. There are no trick questions, and there is only one correct answer per question.
When you pass the written exam, you'll receive an instruction permit, which allows you to practice driving with a licensed adult. Then you'll need to return to the DMV to take a driving test. When you pass the driving test, the DMV will give you a driver license.
Is parallel parking on the driving test in California? ›
Do You Have to Parallel Park During the DMV Driving Test in California? Generally, parallel parking is not required as part of your DMV driving test. Still, it is a skill you will eventually need.